Black lemur

Eulemur macaco

Black lemurs are found only in a small part of north-western Madagascar and are classified as one of the island’s species facing threats. Their limited range makes them particularly vulnerable to changes in their habitat.

Red List

Endangered

Breeding programme

Black lemurs are a medium-sized species of lemur. Their natural range is limited to a small area in north-western Madagascar and the islands of Nosy Be and Nosy Komba. The loss of their natural habitat due to slash-and-burn farming, as well as hunting, has led to a sharp decline in the population of this species over the years.

Black lemurs exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism. This means that males and females look different. Male black lemurs have an entirely black coat. Females, on the other hand, have yellow to rust-brown and white fur and have white ear tufts. Juveniles can vary greatly in coat colour. However, their sex can already be distinguished by the colour of their ear tufts.

Taxonomy

Lemuridae, Eulemur (12 species)

Habitat

damp forests

Behaviour and ecology

active both day and night, mainly in the middle to upper parts of trees

Social structure

in groups of up to 15 animals